Ledgemont Country Club Reborn
By Joe McDonald
RIGA Senior Writer
SEEKONK – In only two short seasons, Mike Douillette has revitalized Ledgemont Country Club, reminding members and guests of a time when this property was considered one of the best in New England.
It’s evident as soon as you drive through the wrought-iron gates and up the road towards the clubhouse that Ledgemont is on the verge of returning to its former glory. Douillette’s the superintendent and one reason for its resurgence.
In fact, nearly every player in the 120-person field raved about the course’s condition during the 41st Stroke Play Championship this week. Only a few years ago, Ledgemont was not what it once was, which was a shame at the time. However, Ledgemont is making a huge comeback.
“It is amazing,” said Tommy McCormick, of Kirkbrae CC. “With the amount of rain we’ve gotten over the past month, and we’ve played a lot of courses that are saturated, but this place is out of control good shape. The fairways are mint, and yes, there are some soggy spots, but you can tell there was a ton of effort to dry the bunkers out, keep the fairways clean and they were perfectly cut. The greens are the best I’ve seen them in the last 10 years and I’m not embellishing at all. It was a pleasure to play here today. It was a beautiful day and whatever (Ledgemont) has done they need to keep doing because it really is in fantastic shape.”
Douillette appreciates the kind words from the players.
“I love hearing that,” he said. “We work really hard. We have a small staff, but in a two-year span I think we’ve come at least four years in advance of where I expected to be. I thought it would take me at least three years to get the greens even remotely decent. Last summer they were halfway decent, and this year, I’ve got a couple issues still, but overall, they’ve come a long way. I’m really proud of what we’ve done.”
Entering the championship, Jonathan Pannone, of Warwick CC, heard two completely different scouting reports on the conditions at Ledgemont, so he had to experience for himself.
“Overall, very impressed with the golf course and very thankful they let us out here,” he said. “I played so many junior golf tournaments here growing up and it was always the pinnacle of country clubs around here, and to see it’s on its way back and have that same nostalgic feel is good to see. I’m sure the members are very happy. It’s good to see they’re on their way up.”
Darren Corrente, of Wannamoisett CC, who was crowned Senior Division champion of the 41st Stroke Play Championship, was also impressed with the conditions here.
“The conditions are really, really good,” he said. “I know a few years ago they had declined. The green surfaces are great. They’re not super-fast, but they’re true, they roll and it’s great. The fairways are nice and firm. The layout is just fantastic, and the finishing holes are great. It’s just an awesome place.”
It’s not too often the hosting superintendent also competes in the tournament. Douillette is an avid golfer and plays as often as he can, despite his crazy early-morning hours.
On Monday, Douillette woke up at 3 a.m., arrived on property at 4 a.m. He cut the greens in the dark, sprayed a few fairways, then showered, dressed and was on the tee for 10:21. He returned to the scoring area at 2:48 and was not happy with his 83. Once word got around the superintendent was playing, the other competitors thought it was great.
“It’s awesome and it’s great to see the course get represented in this event,” Pannone said.
Since no one knows Ledgemont these days better than Douillette, many were surprised he shot an 83, especially Douillette himself. He explained it’s difficult to play a tournament on his course because he’s easily distracted. He’s played in three tournaments here and doesn’t play well, posting scores between 83 and 88.
“I see people doing things they’re not supposed to be and it drives me nuts,” he said. “I try to prioritize and focus on golf, but it still gets to you.”
When Douillette accepted the superintendent position at Ledgemont, he created an ultimate goal and he believes the club will be able to achieve it.
“I’m never going to be a Wannamoisett, but I’d love to be in that top five, or six echelon of courses in the area. We have the layout for it, it’s just a matter of getting there,” he said.
Along with all the recent improvements, Douillette is already in talks with constructions companies to possibly revamp the bunkers, and he also plans to remove more trees.
“I truly believe the golf course, if we can get the membership up a little more, and we can make a little more revenue, we can make the golf course a Top 10 in the area. Back in the day it was always the place to go when I was a kid. If you got to come here we were like, ‘Yes.’ We couldn’t wait. For the last few years it hasn’t been like that, but it’s on its way.”
Douillette grew up Attleboro, worked at Fire Fly for 13 years, East Greenwich for three years, before he left the business for four years. He missed it and wanted a way back in when Ledgemont came calling.
“It just happened,” he said. “I wanted to get back into the golf business. I love it. It’s my passion. I love the game. I love what I do. It’s the old cliché, ‘You never work a day if it’s something you love.’ Every day I come in it’s something new, different challenges and then I get to play. It’s a win-win for me.”
